John Lehnert, then a Fair Haven police officer, speaks in 2001 about rescuing a woman who was pushed under a New York City subway. (File photo)

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RENEE ERNST
GANNETT NJ

A Fair Haven councilman and retired police officer was found dead outside a New Castle Court home early this morning, according to officials.

John Lehnert, 46, of Cambridge Avenue in Fair Haven, was found by Jackson Officer Anthony Senatore at 5:30 a.m. on the front lawn with a self-inflicted gunshot to his chest, said Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. A handgun was found at the scene, according to Mohel.

Jackson police said earlier that Lehnert shot himself around midnight. ...